Posts made in June 2023

Homeowners take pride in their homes, but the roof is often the last item on the maintenance list. If you’re wondering how often you should replace your roof, it’s probably because you may have noticed signs of damage such as mold, missing shingles, water stains, sagging spots, or you’ve spotted cracks or sunlight from within the attic. This can be especially true after experiencing strong winds or heavy weather patterns.

The Average Lifespan of a Roof

The lifespan of a roof may vary depending on several factors, including the type of roofing material, the quality of the installation, the local climate, and how well it’s been maintained. If you don’t keep up with checkups, you could be prone to extensive damage and the roof may need to be replaced. Here are some general guidelines for how often roofs require replacing based on common roofing materials.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice due to their affordability, ease of installation, and versatility. They typically have a lifespan ranging from 15-30 years when correctly installed. However, the lifespan can be affected by external factors such as harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, storms, high winds, extreme heat, etc. These can all affect and cause damage to your roof.

Nonetheless, cleaning the gutters, replacing damaged shingles, removing debris from the roof, and fixing leaks promptly — can help the lifespan.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing typically lasts 50 years, depending on the type of metal roof you prefer and how it is installed. A roof made of copper or zinc can last for up to 100 years or more.

The climate — such as heavy rain, snow, hail, or extreme temperatures — may affect the life expectancy of metal roofs and could make them susceptible to rust, patina, or corrosion. Exposure to chemicals and pollutants could also affect the lifespan of a metal roof. It’s important to check for water damage regardless of the material on the roof.

Tile Roofing

With regular roof servicing and care, concrete and clay tiles are the most durable and last on average between 50 and 100 years. Some high-end tiles have been known to last up to 150 years. Although tile roofs are one of the longest lasting roofing systems available, tile roofs do have their challenges. Tile roofs have a higher up-front cost than other materials, they are much heavier than other roofing options, and they can be brittle and break easily. As well, you will need to clean and repair the roof if damage occurs.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is known for its durability. These roofs can last upwards of 100 years, possibly longer. You wouldn’t regret opting for having a slate roof installed. Once installed, you require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it lasts.

The main reason that slate lasts for so many years is that it’s a natural stone. It’s resistant to the weather, fire, and pests. That being said, slate tiles are a very heavy product, and many structures cannot take on the additional weight of a slate roofing system. A slate roof is an investment into the property. They are not recommended for homeowners who have plans to sell their property within 20 years as it is typically more costly up-front than asphalt shingles.

Wood Shingles

When it comes to roofing materials and installing a new roof, you can expect wood shingles to last between 20 to 50 years. The lifespan of this type of roof shingle may be affected by moisture, sunlight, and insects.

To keep your wood shingles in good shape, it’s paramount that you have them installed by a qualified professional. It’s essential to have your wood shakes treated and coated before they go down to ensure they last longer. Additionally, regular cleaning helps identify issues before they get out of hand.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

When you ask yourself how often should you replace your roof, it’s a good idea to consider looking at the home improvement records to determine the age of your roof. You might want to see how old your house is because the roof usually lasts around 20 to 25 years. If your current roof is 25 years or older, it might be time to replace it.

If you notice in your house signs of cracks or missing shingles, you may be experiencing water damage. Regularly inspecting your attic for signs of mold growth and moisture is always recommended and can help prevent water damage from occurring within the home. Regular estimates and maintenance will help if there is trapped moisture, rotting boards, moss growth, sagging spots, underlying problems, dark spots, etc.

A sagging roof may require immediate attention as it may mean you have other factors affecting the structure of the roof. This could have happened due to harsh weather, leaks, strong winds, or shingles that have fallen off.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact a professional roofing contractor to come and perform repairs or replacement.

Regular Roof Maintenance

The lifespan of all roofing systems depends on proper upkeep and yearly maintenance. Roof replacements can be a stressful time for homeowners and it is often difficult to determine if a roof repair or roof replacement is necessary. Small signs of damage may only require roof repairs instead of a full roof replacement.

As a homeowner, it’s important to take care of your roof to ensure that it lasts as long as possible and protects your home from the elements. Here are some things you might do to maintain your roof:

Clean Your Roof

Leaves, branches, and other debris may accumulate on your roof, which could lead to water damage and other issues. Clean your roof regularly to prevent debris buildup.

Trim Trees

Overhanging tree branches can scratch your roof, drop debris onto it, and promote the growth of algae and moss. Trim any trees that hang over your roof.

Check Your Attic

Check your attic regularly for any signs of water damage, such as mold, mildew, or wet insulation. These can be signs that there are leaks in your roof.

Hire a Professional

It’s a good idea to have a professional roofer perform maintenance and repairs on your roof for any issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Remember that regular maintenance and timely repairs can help extend the life of your roof and prevent more costly problems down the line.

If you’re unsure about the age or condition of your roof, it’s best to consult a roofing contractor for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Running a home is a challenging task on its own — the last thing you’d want to worry about is your roof. It’s important to have roof maintenance on your to-do list as it’s the piece that keeps all your home’s contents safe. With regular maintenance, you can ensure that your roof will last as long as possible.

Most homeowners don’t give much thought to the roof over their heads. But if you own a home, you need to think about roof maintenance to protect its longevity. Every roof has a limited lifespan, and with proper maintenance, you can avoid having to schedule a roof replacement sooner than expected.

Why Roof Maintenance Is Important

Roofs are typically the most neglected part of any house. That’s because most people assume that their roof is fine if they don’t see any visible damage or have any leaks. The majority of homeowners will only have their roof checked out when water is leaking into their home.

It’s important to have your roof maintained each year. However, there are certain times when you should have a thorough inspection conducted immediately. For example, after a storm or other natural disaster, you may not be able to see the full extent of damage done without climbing onto the roof. This would be an excellent time to schedule a roof inspection.

Additionally, when you have an overgrowth of vegetation in your gutters, this can impact the integrity of your roof. Roofs that are over ten years old should also have an inspection scheduled.

The sooner you have a roof inspection, the more likely you will discover any minor issues before the need for extensive repairs arises. Clogged gutters may not seem like a big deal right now, but they will be if they overflow into your home’s foundation. When that happens, it can cause cracks which result in further damage.

What Maintenance Should Be Done on a Roof?

Clear Vision Construction is here to help answer your roof maintenance questions because every homeowner should be educated on how to take care of their roof. It may seem intimidating, however, having timely roof maintenance conducted can help maintain your roof’s structural integrity.

These roofing tips will help your roof last for its expected lifespan and keep it working to protect your family:

1. Thoroughly Inspect Your Shingles Every Season

In the Pacific Northwest, each season brings unique weather patterns. In hot weather, you have extensive sun exposure, while in winter, snow storms can cause leaks due to melting ice and snow. You should always check your shingles every season when the weather changes. Look for any signs of excessive wear and tear on asphalt shingles. For all shingles and roofing materials, you should note if anything is missing, especially around the flashing and vent pipes. Addressing these problems immediately will prevent small problems from becoming big ones, like water leaks and water damage.

2. Treat for Moss and Algae Growth

Moss, lichen, or algae growth on your roof is unpleasant to see. Leaving it to fester goes beyond an unsightly appearance as it can also cause damage. You’ll usually see this happening during the warmer months on the shaded areas of your roof. Having your roof professionally cleaned once a year can help remove the buildup. You can also get preventative products with copper and zinc applied annually to prevent moss and algae growth.

3. Clean and Maintain the Gutters

Your gutters protect your roof by directing water and debris away from the structure. To keep them functioning properly, it is best to keep leaves, sticks, twigs, and other debris from clogging them. If you have trees close to your home, you should clean your gutters every season to keep them from getting clogged up and leading to major roof damage. Keeping your gutters clean will give you greater peace of mind that your home will be the fortress you need to keep your family safe and sound.

4. Trim Tree Branches That Hang Near Your Roof

Large trees near your home create an appealing aesthetic, but when they hang over your roof, they can lead to an accumulation of debris. In storms, overhanging branches can also crash onto the roof and cause damage. Have your tree branches trimmed to keep your roof damage-free. Trim tree branches ahead of storms to keep them from blowing onto your roof.

5. Make Sure Your Attic Has Proper Insulation

An attic with good insulation will prevent snow and ice on your roof in winter from causing damage. Without proper insulation, snow will melt at the lowest layer and then refreeze around your shingles and other roofing materials. This instance is called an ice dam. If you have ice dams on your roof, which keep water from draining into the gutters, you could end up with extensive damage to your shingles and entire roofing system. Good insulation in the attic protects you in the event of an ice dam or snow since it keeps the heat in your home from escaping through the roof.

6. Have an Experienced Roofing Professional Perform All Maintenance and Repairs

Many homeowners find that proper care for a roof is an intimidating process. Only a certified roofing professional should help you take care of your roof. They will know if you should make roof repairs or if it is time to replace your roof. The best way to keep your roof in excellent shape is to hire roofing experts that specialize in residential roofing. With the help of a professional roofing contractor, you will be able to repair damage to any type of roof.

What Should You Avoid Doing on a Roof?

One of the most important roof maintenance tips regards safety. If you want to get on your roof, you need the right kind of ladder and safety equipment. Every professional roofer uses an extension ladder with wheels. This type of ladder has hooks to anchor it to the roof’s ridge.

Even if you have this type of ladder, you should never anchor it in the gutter or eaves. These points can’t hold your weight and that of the ladder. It is advised that you leave this type of work to professional roofers instead. Trying to save money on roof maintenance or a roof inspection could lead to injury and cost you more in the long run.

How Do You Make Sure a Roof Is Installed Properly?

While there are many hardworking roofing professionals out there, there are some that lack integrity. They may rush through a job or use substandard materials, leading to costly roof problems in the future.

But how do you know if your roof was installed properly? You can look for a few telltale signs.

For one, you may notice that the drip edge flashing is missing. When you check your roof, you should see the flashing at the edge. The drip edge is designed to prevent water damage and keep pests from getting into the attic.

Another way to tell that your roof installation wasn’t done right is that the roof simply doesn’t look uniform. You don’t need to get onto the roof to notice it. If the shingles are not aligned, it’s more than a problem with aesthetics. Asymmetrical shingles can allow water to seep in and ruin your sheathing. Shingles need to be aligned, and if you can see that they’re not, you need to call a roofing professional to set things right before ice dams or rain storms come and ruin your roofing material.

Calling a reliable roofer to make sure your roof is in peak condition is the ideal way to spot poor roof shingle nailing. Nails that are overdriven, rusted, or in the wrong location can impact the integrity of your roof. Other issues professional roofing contractors run into are shingle overhangs that leave the roof susceptible to sagging and cracking or reusing old flashing during a roof replacement.

How to Find the Best Roofing Professional for the Job

Now that you know the roofing tips for when you regularly check your roof, you need to find a qualified company to work with for roof maintenance.

The best thing you can do is look for a local and family-owned company. You don’t want to hire roofers that aren’t nearby. A local company will be there for you as soon as possible. Plus, a local roofing company will likely have a solid reputation with your friends and neighbors, assuring you they can be trusted to do the job right.

Before you hire a roofing contractor for your roofing needs, make sure you check their paperwork. A professional will be certified, licensed, and insured to back up their credentials.

The last tip for roof maintenance is that you should confirm that the roofing company is a legitimate one. Drive by the address they provide to make sure they’re the real deal. Call them and make sure they are responsive to your questions and needs. A professional roofing company will provide you with quality customer care and promptly return any missed calls.

For a professional roofing company that is locally and family-owned in the Portland metro area, contact Clear Vision Construction, LLC today about roof maintenance, installation, and more for your home.